What is spiritual warfare? | ECHOES: Catechism in a Year

Riverwood Church Community

What is spiritual warfare? | ECHOES: Catechism in a Year

August 18, 2024 • Todd Petkau • 1 John 3:7–8, Ephesians 6:10–18, Matthew 1:1–11, Proverbs 6:16–19, 2 Corinthians 2:11

Many people are afraid to talk about spiritual warfare, assuming the conversation will lead them into the realm of demon possession and poltergeist exorcisms. However, Jesus shows us that spiritual warfare is far more common and subtle, targeting our souls with stealthy temptations designed to draw us away from God. In this message, we will uncover the strategies the devil uses and identify six poisoned darts Satan fires at the souls of Christ followers.

Why do prayers seem to go unanswered? | ECHOES: Catechism in a Year

August 31, 2024 • Todd Petkau • Acts 12:1–16, James 4:3, Isaiah 59:2, James 1:6, Matthew 5:24

Question 42 of our Echoes: Catechism in a Year series is, "Why do prayers seem to go unanswered?" Using the story from Acts 12:1-16, where Peter is miraculously freed from prison, this message explores the tension between answered and unanswered prayers. We will dive into the "white spaces" between the verses, where believers, despite past disappointments, persist in prayer even when God seems silent. We will explore 10 reasons why prayers go unanswered and wrap up the message with inspiration to remain faithful and persistent in prayer, trusting God's wisdom and sovereignty even when answers are delayed or denied.

Are Miracles Real and How Do They Work? | ECHOES: Catechism in a Year

August 25, 2024 • Lydia Brunelle • Matthew 9:18–26, John 21:25, John 16:33

We know miracles to be real by looking at what has been recorded in the Bible as well as the testimonies of people today. The woman who had the issue of blood for 12 years had great faith to trigger her miracle, but even more than receiving healing from Jesus, she received a deep connection with Him. Jesus saw her and called her daughter, when for the last 12 years she had only been called unclean. The greatest miracle of all time is the resurrection of Jesus, which brings dead things to life and fixes what has been broken. The miracle we get to experience is that there is life in our story because we have life in Jesus Christ.

What is the devil and are demons real? | ECHOES: Catechism in a Year

August 11, 2024 • Brittany Petkau • Ephesians 6:10–12, Ezekiel 28:12–17, Isaiah 14:12–15, Genesis 3:14–15, 2 Kings 6:8–17

The devil’s not dead…yet! Which means that we have a real enemy that God commands us to be prepared for. To prepare ourselves, we need to understand who the devil is, the impact of his fall on the world, and the role of demons. However, even as we stay vigilant, we must always remember that we are not fighting for victory, but from a victory that has already been secured through the cross!